Ames Council Awards Contract for New Animal Shelter

The city will begin construction on a new animal services facility at 2715 Dayton Avenue.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Pet Health

Bold vector editorial illustration of a modern community building, representing the development of a new city animal shelter facility. — The Ames City Council has awarded a $5.99 million contract to HPC for construction of a new animal shelter on Dayton Avenue. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Ames City Council recently awarded a $5.99 million construction contract to HPC for the city's new animal shelter. The project aims to replace the current facility at 325 Billy Sunday Road, which is currently at capacity.

Why it matters

The existing shelter currently lacks the necessary space to properly isolate animals for disease control. This new facility is expected to address these critical capacity and health management limitations for the local animal population.

The new facility spans nearly six acres and includes a 10,880-square-foot main building plus a 2,000-square-foot basement. City officials plan to bridge a $562,565 funding shortfall using the Council Priorities Capital Fund.

The players

Ames City Council

The governing body responsible for legislative decisions, budget approvals, and municipal infrastructure projects in Ames, Iowa.

HPC

The construction firm awarded the multi-million dollar contract to build the new municipal animal services facility.

The details

The city purchased the property at 2715 Dayton Avenue for $1.1 million after receiving eight separate renovation bids that ranged from $5.5 million to $6.6 million. Construction will be managed by HPC, which was selected to oversee the project as part of the broader $8.3 million development budget.

May 2025: Fundraising efforts for the shelter project began.
Early 2025: The city completed the purchase of the property at 2715 Dayton Avenue.
May 2026: The city successfully secured the remaining funds for the original budget.
October 2026: The city council formally awarded the construction contract.
2027: The city anticipates the new animal services building will open to the public.

Culture Shift

This facility expansion mirrors a growing trend of municipal investment in animal welfare infrastructure to replace outdated, overcrowded shelters. The project follows a precedent set by the Council Priorities Capital Fund to secure funding for essential public services.

Residents can anticipate improved animal control services and better disease management once the new facility opens in 2027. The project requires no additional tax hikes, as the city will bridge the budget gap through established capital funds.

The takeaway

This new facility will provide the essential space required to improve animal health and safety standards in the city. Residents should look for updates regarding the 2027 opening as the city transitions operations from the current aging facility.